Handmaid of the Lord

Gospel

Luke 1:26-38

'I am the handmaid of the Lord'

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

Short Reflection

This passage reveals the profound mystery of God's timing and the nature of faith. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people who had long carried the pain of unanswered prayer. When the angel Gabriel finally announces that their deepest longing will be fulfilled, Zechariah's faith falters. His question, "How can I be sure of this?" comes not from a seeking heart but from a resigned one that can no longer believe the impossible. His temporary muteness becomes a powerful symbol—when we cannot speak words of faith, we are called to a season of silent wonder, to watch God's promise unfold. In contrast, Elizabeth's quiet acceptance shows a deep, resilient faith that sees her pregnancy not just as a personal blessing, but as a sign of God's favor removing her "humiliation."

Question for Reflection

Where in my life have I stopped praying for a deep desire because it seems impossible, and how can I, like Elizabeth, make space for God to act in His perfect timing?

Short Prayer

Lord God, you who hear the prayers we have long since stopped praying, forgive our weary faith. In the moments we struggle to believe your promises, grant us the grace to enter a holy silence, that we might witness your miraculous work. Give us hearts like Elizabeth, who recognized your hand at work and rejoiced in your saving power. Amen.

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